Overview

• Tammy and Daniel Lambert were initially fined £480 for taking their four children out of school during term time to seek quieter conditions for their autistic son in Spain.
• After refusing to pay, the couple appealed at North Staffordshire Justice Centre but saw their liability increase to £690 once surcharges and legal costs were added.
• Court testimony revealed Riley had been on a two-year waiting list for an autism assessment when the holiday occurred and received his diagnosis six weeks before the hearing.
• A magistrate stated that parents must obtain prior headteacher permission for any term-time absence, with no exceptions made for disability accommodations.
• The Lamberts’ wider school record remained strong, with Riley’s attendance at 97% and absences attributed solely to illness.